New Island, West Falklands

We have been spectacularly lucky with the weather on this expedition to South Georgia and the Falklands. Other than some strong winds in Stanley and the occasional sea fog, the temperatures have never dropped below zero and the sky and sea has generally been clear and calm. This fair weather means we have longer to spend at New Island than usual – more than 6 hours! New Island is the most remote in the Falklands archipelago, and has quite a varied landscape.

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The main attraction at this island in the West Falklands, which has been settled by two families and is now a nature reserve, is the black-browed albatross, rockhopper penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies perched on the cliffs and down a ravine that is perfectly situated to catch the prevailing wind.

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We arrived at one black-browed albatross colony in time for a demonstration of albatross affection.

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This rockhopper found our presence to be a bit of a yawn…

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This blue-eyed shag is trying to remember where the nest is…

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At some point rabbits have been introduced to the island, and seem to be thriving along with the rest of wildlife.

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My favourite photo of the landing is this ruddy-headed goose, who looks as if it is auditioning for the label of a Wild Turkey bottle.
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This is our last landing on the expedition. We have one more sea day, and expect to arrive in Ushuaia late on the evening of November 8.

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